How to (safely) build your JAWS collection
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Hello, Islanders!
Whether you’re a fan of the original film, or that true rarity, a fan of JAWS THE REVENGE, all JAWS fans have one thing in common. They love to collect memorabilia from their favorite film.
As JAWS is that rare film that still has new collectables released every year, there are plenty of goodies to spend your money on. However, to quote Mike Brady, “Caveat Empton”…buyer beware. Here are some suggestions and recommendations to those who wish to collect JAWS memorabilia:
Start out with the easy stuff
T-shirts, FUNKO figures and the assorted choochkies found in stores from Walmart to Universal Studios, these items are licensed and authorized by the studio. They will also be of good quality. For older authorized items, check out online merchants like Ebay. In the early days of Ebay I picked up some amazing items for my collection. But, as I’ll repeat repeatedly in this piece, be aware of what you’re buying. Do some research and, when possible, ask any questions you may have before bidding.
Autographs
Some of the most sought after signatures are also often some of the most forged. Especially for people that have passed away. I see dozens of forgeries of Peter Benchley, Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw, among others, every time I’m on Ebay. Even those that come with a “Certificate of Authenticity” are often suspect. Remember, a Certificate of Authenticity is just the seller telling you, the buyer, that as far as the seller knows, the item is legitimate. I recommend getting your signatures in person whenever possible. And do some research. You can often find true examples of celebrity signatures online. Also, if you know that a celebrity charges $100 for a signature at a convention, be aware of the seller who has multiple signed items by that same celebrity for $39.99. Also, be aware of items with multiple signatures all done in the same pen. The chance that the buyer was able to catch all of the LORD OF THE RINGS actors at the same time to have them sign a poster are pretty rare. There was, and probably still is, a JAWS soundtrack album in a collectable store in Las Vegas that has multiple signatures on it, all in a black Sharpie, including Robert Shaw.
As someone that has collected JAWS memorabilia for almost 50 years, and someone who has had the amazing opportunity to meet many of the cast and crew, I’ve learned to recognize signatures that don’t, to be kind, “look right.” I can also state that I have never seen a legitimate Robert Shaw autograph done with a Sharpie. Remember, if in doubt, check it out. It’s also important to know some facts about the celebrities whose signatures you are looking to collect. In the early days of Ebay there was an auction of a JAWS THE REVENGE movie poster “signed” by Robert Shaw, who had sadly passed eight years before the film was released. It went for $187.00.
Availability
Keep in mind that many of the items freely available today were not around in the late 1970s. It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that reprint movie posters became popular so when you see a “signed, original” JAWS movie poster, be cautious. The movie posters that were used in the 1970s measured 27” x 41” and were folded. Reprints measure 27” x 40” and come rolled. Studio issued movie posters were not issued rolled until the late 1980s, when they began being printed two-sided to display better in lighted display cases. Currently an original JAWS movie poster from 1975 sells for around $800 in good condition. It will be folded, not rolled and it will measure 27” x 41”. The same can be said for scripts. Thanks to computers, it is easy to go online and print out a copy of your favorite film script.
You can usually pick one up for $25. So be aware if you see an offer for an “original” script. An original script will contain many things, besides the actual words to the film. It may have different color pages, due to changes. It may also have cast/crew information included. I have in my collection a script for 2010 which, besides the script of the film, includes names/on location phone numbers for all of the principals involved as well as a break down on how each person is billed on screen and in outside advertising. Also be aware of offers of “signed” scripts. The signatures may look legitimate but read the fine print I the description, as they are most likely reproductions of the original signatures. Again, if someone is offering multiple signed copies of ANYTHING, use caution.
Have fun!
My intent here is not to scare you away from collecting JAWS memorabilia. It is a fun hobby. But I do want you to be careful. While I think I have an impressive collection, it pales when compared to long time collectors like Jim Beller, Eddie MacCormack, Eric Augustin, and so many others. That is what makes collecting memorabilia fun. I love going online daily to see that someone has shared a post about their latest acquisition. Many times, I see something that I wasn’t even aware existed. It piques my interest and sends me on my own quest to acquire one for myself. There is a vast army of JAWS collectors out there that will gladly answer any questions you may have about an item. I usually get one or two messages a week from fans asking me to look at an auction and give my opinion. I’m happy to do it.
Which reminds me!! DON’T BUY THE “ORIGINAL, SCREEN USED” BLOOD FROM JAWSCURRENTLY BEING OFFERED ON EBAY. IT ISN’T!
Words by Michael A Smith. Michael is co-author of Jaws 2: The Making Of The Hollywood Sequel. You can order the book by contacting Michael at OsFanMike@aol.com.
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